An anonymous benefactor has donated thousands of pounds to a campaign to save a former Dumfries woollen mill.

Members of the Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) were stunned when a cheque for £5,000 towards the mills’ purchase fund dropped through the letterbox.

A spokesman said: “The identity of the donor is a complete mystery but we would like to express thanks for this splendid boost to the fundraising campaign.”

The campaign has been officially launched following two successful community consultations. The DHBT is now seeking public support to help complete the purchase of the landmark.

It came up for auction at the start of last year but did not sell and, since then, the DHBT has been working to raise funds and gain support to bring the building back to life.

Mark Zygadlo, project co-ordinator, said: “Based on the level of interest and the thousands of messages of support we have received, we believe there is a solid enough groundswell of support for the project to ask the Dumfries community for the funds to complete the purchase. We have five weeks to raise the money, but we’re launching our fundraising campaign with an amazing £20,000 already raised for which we are extremely grateful.”

During the launch event, DHBT members told people about their plans to raise £80,000 to buy the building on the banks of the Nith opposite Dock Park.

Maxwelltown High pupils were presented with a limited edition linocut print of Rosefield Mills by artist Hugh Bryden to thank them for their generous donation of their school Christmas fund.

To donate to the mill purchase fund, visit the Rosefield Mills Facebook page and click on the Donate button.

Donations can also be made in person or sent to DHBT at 22 or 24 Queen Street, Dumfries.